Next Steps

2010 Honda Fit Hatchback

Benefits of Driving a 2010 Honda Fit Hatchback

The Fit appeals to frugal shoppers who want the most space and versatility in a very small, easy-to-park size. Thanks to its tall, upright body style and newly improved Magic Seat setup, the Fit is arguably the most space-efficient vehicle in its class and is one of the few vehicles its size with a back seat roomy enough for most adults. Performance is a step above many rivals, with nimble handling, a perky engine and an available 5-speed automatic. Safety is also a strong point for the Fit, with standard anti-lock brakes across the model line and available electronic stability control on the Sport trim.

What's new for 2010?

Following a complete redesign in 2009, Honda's subcompact Fit hatchback sees no big changes for 2010.

Model Strengths

Space-efficient design

excellent seats

nimble handling

safety and convenience features not usually found in an inexpensive small car

Model Review

The Fit is both very economical and fun to drive, thanks to a 117-horsepower, 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with Honda's i-VTEC variable valve timing system. The engine provides enough power even with the available automatic transmission, which has five speeds for better passing response and more relaxed highway cruising. A precise-shifting 5-speed manual is standard, but for those who want the best of both worlds, the Fit Sport model, when fitted with the automatic transmission, features paddle-shifters alongside the steering wheel.

2010 Honda Fit Hatchback

2010 Honda Fit

To put together a comprehensive full review covering the 2010 Honda Fit, TheCarConnection.com's experts looked at what's been said by a number of other critical voices. The editors of TheCarConnection.com also assembled an overall description of the Fit, along with driving impressions and comparisons to rival models, in this Bottom Line.

The Honda Fit remains Honda's most affordable model in the U.S. market. The Fit, which comes as only a five-door hatchback, was completely redesigned last year but remained about the same size. Although the 2010 Honda Fit is the smallest model in Honda's lineup, it's about the same length and width as the Honda Civic when it was last offered in the United States as a three-door hatchback (the 2000 model year). However, the five-door Fit is significantly roomier inside due to its tall, upright body style.

To those who value style, the tall proportions arguably make it look like a scaled-down minivan in some respects, but also gives it an extremely roomy interior. What the Fit doesn't have in silhouette it makes up for partly in the finer points; with last year's redesign the Fit got a more aerodynamic, better-detailed look, with small side windows just ahead of the front doors to aid visibility, and a pair of character lines that run from the snout through the grille and hood. Inside, the rakish windshield leave a vast expanse of dashboard ahead of the driver, lending an airier feel than some other small cars. The swoopy, two-tiered instrument panel employs textured and matte-metallic plastic surfaces, along with upholstery and trim that are simple but sturdy. Overall, it's easy to conclude that the Fit has a higher-quality interior than some of its rivals.

Space-efficient interior design is one of the Fit's strengths; Honda actually allowed enough headroom and legroom for two adults--or three kids--in back, and the so-called Magic Seat folds flat by lifting a single lever and pushing the seatback forward, with no need to remove rear headrests in the process. The driving position affords a good view outward, and the steering wheel telescopes on all models. The cargo floor is especially low for easy loading, amassing an impressive 20.6 cubic feet of EPA cargo room. In addition, there are two glove compartments (upper and lower), plenty of cup holders, and many useful storage compartments and cubbies in the center console, dash, and doors.

The 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine in the 2010 Honda Fit makes 117 horsepower, but that's plenty to move the Fit quite quickly with the manual transmission and adequately with the automatic. Fit Sports with the automatic get paddle shifters alongside the steering wheel to aid control on curvy roads, and fuel economy ratings are as high as 29 mpg city, 35 highway.

Overall, Honda just gets it, achieving a very responsive, tossable feel that makes the Fit seem almost sports-car nimble yet also quiet and refined enough for an interstate trip. Parking and maneuverability are strengths, and despite the tall body and rather light weight, the Fit cruises confidently and relatively quietly at 80 mph.

The 2010 Honda Fit is one of the best small cars for occupant protection, achieving five stars for front occupants in both frontal and side-impact tests from the federal government (four stars for side-impact and backseat passengers), and top good ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) across the board. It was the only "minicar," as the IIHS designates it, to be named a 2009 Top Safety Pick from the group. Although side airbags and side-curtain bags are standard, along with anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control is optional--oddly, it's only offered with the navigation system.

Two main models are offered: Fit and Fit Sport. Air conditioning; power windows, locks, and mirrors; and an MP3-compatible CD sound system are included with the base Fit. The Fit Sport gets larger 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry, a security system, and USB connectivity for the sound system, along with sporty cues throughout. Offered only on Fit Sport models is a package adding the navigation system and electronic stability control.

The Bottom Line:

Look beyond the appearance of the 2010 Honda Fit, which admittedly won't quicken pulses. Honda nails the rest with the peppy, spacious, and frugal Fit.

2010 Honda Fit Hatchback

Safety Ratings

What do the Safety Ratings mean?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests:

Driver Crash Grade:

Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury.

Passenger Crash Grade:

Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger.

Rollover Resistance:

Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover.

Side Impact Crash Test - Front:

Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury.

Side Impact Crash Test - Rear:

Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.

Road Visibility

Security

2010 Honda Fit Hatchback

Original Warranty

Original Warranty

An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment.

The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including:

Basic Warranty:

Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters.

Drivetrain Warranty:

This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be.

Roadside Assistance:

The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car.

Corrosion Warranty:

This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal.

Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.

Basic

3 Years/36,000 Miles

Drivetrain

5 Years/60,000 Miles

Corrosion

5 Years/Unlimited Miles

Honda Certified Pre-Owned Warranty

Certified Pre-Owned Warranty

To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points.

Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer.

Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include:

Age/Mileage Eligibility

To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers.

Lease Term Certified

Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less.

Point Inspection

These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details.

Return/Exchange Program

Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car.

Roadside Assistance

Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty.

Special Financing

Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers.

Transferable Warranty

When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect.

Warranty Deductible

This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.

Honda Certified Used Car Limited Warranty extends the non-powertrain coverage by 1 year/12,000 miles from the date of purchase or expiration of new car warranty date. In addition, Honda Certified Used Car Limited Warranty extends the powertrain coverage to 7 years/100,000 miles.